A new survey has been published looking at the cost of ownership for gasoline vehicles compared to diesel vehicles. The University of Michigan conducted the study for Robert Bosch, LLC.

The study determined that diesel vehicles save owners between $2,000 to $6,000 in total ownership costs during a 3- to 5-year period compared to similar gasoline vehicles. The data was compiled by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

"Overall, the results of our analyses show that diesel vehicles provide owners with a TCO (total cost of ownership) that is less than that of the gas versions of the same vehicles," according to the study. "The estimates of savings for three and five years of ownership vary from a low of $67 in three years to a high of $15,619 in five years.”

The study claims that Volkswagen Jetta owners saved $3,128 while Volkswagen Golf owners saved an estimated $5,013 compared to owners of similar gasoline-powered vehicles. The study also finds that all of the diesel vehicles had better miles per gallon figures then gasoline versions with diesel is offering between 8% and 44% higher fuel economy.

The study also shows that nine of the 10 diesel vehicles held their value better the comparable gasoline vehicles.

quote: I think most people assume diesels cost less to own, but they trade that off with convenience, noise, smell, and power.

That may have been true historically, but it hasn't been the case for a long time. My 2013 Jetta TDI isn't appreciably louder than any other car. I've never seen diesel smoke coming out the rear or it (or other modern TDIs). There is no exhaust smell that I've noted, though when the DPF recharge happens there can be a slight smell if your windows are down and you come to a stoplight. Power isn't and issue with the turbo. Horsepower is comparable to most other economy cars, and torque (i.e., "get up and go) is WAAAAAAY better.